Clicks BroNation: A Guy’s Guide to Well-Groomed Hands and Feet

Gents, it’s 2024 and self-care knows no gender. Your hardworking hands and feet deserve some TLC too. No one wants to shake hands and be met with a rough, calloused palm, or see hardened, cracked heels in sandals. According to Sorbet’s National Educational Manager, Elizma van der Ryst, regular hand and foot care is important for your overall health. Plus, your significant other will thank you, too. 

4 Reasons why every man needs a pro manicure and pedicure

An expert mani-pedi is the gold standard. Plus, a professional can identify any serious issues much more easily than you can. Sorbet Man is a good place to start. Here’s what to expect.

1. Clipping: “A skilled nail technician should clip, file, and shape your nails to perfection,” says Elizma. “With a professional in charge of the nail clippers, you’re less likely to develop jagged edges and ingrown nails," she adds. 
2. Cuticle care: It's crucial not to pull, tear, or cut your cuticles. “Your cuticles should be handled with care, using professional tools,” advises Elizma. This step will protect your nails from bacteria and also promote overall nail health.
3. Soak and massage: Your hands and feet will be soaked in warm water and you’ll get a foot and hand massage. “The nail tech should also scrub away any dead skin and calluses,” says Elizma.
4. Moisturise: To keep your freshly cleaned skin hydrated, an aromatic - but manly - cream will be applied to your hands and feet. “Additionally, if you have smelly feet, a pedicure will prevent dead skin buildup and unpleasant odours,” explains Elizma.

DIY manicures and pedicures for men

In between your professional appointments, hands and feet maintenance at home is just as important.

Hand care:

1. Clip your nails, starting with the sides of the nail, to your desired length.
2. Use a nail file to smooth out the cut edges. “Always move the file in one direction," says Elizma.
3. Apply cuticle oil to the edges of your nails where it touches the skin.
4. Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticle from the surface of the nail.
5. Pamper those hands with a generous dose of moisturiser and massage it in well. “Any time you put moisture on your cuticles, your nails will be in better shape,” Elizma advises. 
6. Use a buffer to buff your nails until they shine.

Foot care:

If you can’t find 30 minutes to an hour out of your schedule to get a pro pedi, you can do it yourself:

1. Start by soaking your feet in lukewarm water and Epsom salts for 10 minutes to soften and hydrate the skin.
2. Next, use a foot scrub to exfoliate your feet. This step will remove dead skin.
3. Gently remove any calluses with a pumice stone and put your feet back in the water for a few minutes.
4. Clip your toenails straight across with a straight-edge toe nail clipper.
5. Gently file the freshly clipped nails to smooth away rough edges.
6. Apply a hydrating foot cream and rub it in well, especially between your toes.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com